When the railway is deteriorating and at risk our Rail Services Minor works team are always on hand to deliver for our customer to ensure that the infrastructure remains future proof and safe. In collaboration with Network Rail the team successfully removed two lightning towers at Clapham Light Maintenance Depot, that were originally installed in the 1960s.
Over the past five years previous contractors have failed several times to remove these historic towers, but due to our team’s specialist expertise, knowledge and commitment we were able to plan and execute this important task in just four months. The location presented several challenges including a constrained worksite as one tower was situated within the depot, surrounded by four mainlines and 15 sidings. The second tower was located at the far end of the depot, behind nine buffer stops, adjacent to four mainlines, four sidings, a bridge and a busy road. All thanks the teams meticulous planning, and with the help of a 500-tonne crane, a 200 tonne crane and several artic lorries, the task was successfully accomplished.
From the offset collaboration with Network Rail, Southern Western Railway, supply chain partners and our specialist SHEA team was key to ensuring all works were carried out safely and with minimal disruption to the railway. Ahead of execution we co-ordinated the full isolation of the depot and relocated 14 trains to ensure the towers could be safely removed with minimal disruption.
Originally, a possession time of 12 hours was scheduled. However, at the last minute, it was reduced to 8 hours. Despite these last-minute changes, the team completed the removal process successfully, 2.5 hours ahead of schedule and without any accidents or incidents.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for your commitment and efficient delivery of this much needed task, which has delighted our customer.
